BMW 3 Series xDrive or not

Stejane
Stejane Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited June 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

We are about to change our elderly Mondeo and have nearly (well the wife has!!) settled on a nearly new BMW 320d saloon. 

My query, after reading the article in last month's magazine, is the xDrive version a well worthwhile extra? The article doesn't really mention it.

Any advice would be useful. I know that asking for advice about towcars is one of those "how long is a piece of string" moments.

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #2

    Edited!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #3

    I don't own one nor have I driven one, but having 4 wheel drive has to be a good thing.

    This     article suggests that it doesn't affect fuel economy that much either.

    I'd go for it

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #4

    We are about to change our elderly Mondeo and have nearly (well the wife has!!) settled on a nearly new BMW 320d saloon. 

    My query, after reading the article in last month's magazine, is the xDrive version a well worthwhile extra? The article doesn't really mention it.

    Any advice would be useful. I know that asking for advice about towcars is one of those "how long is a piece of string" moments.

    What are you planning on towing with it ?

    We sold our 2010 320d saloon earlier this year having had best part of 6 excellent years with it - very economical and reliable. But we did not tow with it and to be honest I am not sure I would have wanted to but then our van is 1,450kg MTPLM.  Its difficult to put a finger on why other than to say it just did not feal bulky enough to make a good tow car and as ours was a manual it was quite highly geared - to my mind it was a car that was designed for fantastic economy and not really for towing.  The other thing I would say is if you do go for 3 series why would you choose the saloon over the touring which is much more practical ? re the Xdrive maybe that does give it that extra bulk ?

  • holmesonwheels24
    holmesonwheels24 Forum Participant Posts: 148
    edited June 2016 #5

    As birderbilly says depends what you intend to tow with it. I had a 320 2.0 litre diesel tourer (estate )  and was well pleased with it, good all round engine economy/power. I towed a Bailey Pageant Burgandy and also Abbey 215 gts . Mine was manual and not
    X drive.

    ps now got a BMW X3 auto which is very good.

  • Stejane
    Stejane Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited June 2016 #6

    Thanks for the replies, all very helpful. We have a Swift Charisma 230 which our Mondeo pulls easily. The 320d xDrive automatic we like is virtually the same weight as the Mondeo but has more power. The wife will not contemplate an estate!!!! 

  • xtrailman
    xtrailman Forum Participant Posts: 559
    edited June 2016 #7

    Over the last year or so the 2L engine got a increase in its torque spread so i would be looking at buying one of those if available.

    X drive would be my choice in automatic due to the 8 gears available. The auto is as economical as the manual, and the ved is around the same.

  • stankane
    stankane Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited July 2016 #8

    I tow with a 2015 320d xdrive auto touring and can confirm it tows with ease. The only gripe would be the 75kg nose weight limit. The car pulls with ease and feels very stable. I tow at appx 92% advertised kerb weight with no probes whatsoever.

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